Kentucky colleges and universities make history with most degrees and credentials awarded in a single year
October 13, 2026
Kentucky's colleges and universities awarded 98,347 degrees and credentials in 2025-26, the most in state history, according to the 2025-26 Degrees Report released today by the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE). The total is up nearly 4,600 awards (5%) from the previous year and 21% from five years ago.
The report covers awards conferred by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), the state's public universities, and institutions affiliated with the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU). If current momentum holds, Kentucky is on track to award 100,000 degrees and credentials in a single year for the first time.
"Kentucky's progress toward a more educated workforce depends on one thing done well, year after year: helping students earn postsecondary credentials of value," said CPE President Aaron Thompson. "This record reflects sustained effort from faculty and staff across all three sectors, and from students who balance coursework with the demands of work and family."
Bachelor's degrees surpass pre-pandemic levels
Bachelor's degree production rose 5% to 24,661, the highest one-year growth rate on record and the first time since COVID-related declines that the state has exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Public universities led the gain with a 6% increase, reversing several years of decline, while AIKCU institutions grew nearly 3%.
"Every one of these graduates makes Kentucky's workforce stronger," Thompson said. "Bachelor's degree holders fill the technical, clinical, managerial and professional roles that let employers grow right here at home. This year's record growth shows Kentucky is doing more than ever to equip its people with the degrees that power our economy. But we still have room to grow, especially in bachelor's degrees. Helping more Kentuckians earn one remains among our biggest opportunities to raise wages and build a more competitive Commonwealth."
A strong return for graduates and the Commonwealth
Each of these 98,347 awards represents a measurable return. A 2025 study by the University of Kentucky's Center for Business and Economic Research found that Kentuckians with a bachelor's degree earn about $1.2 million more over a lifetime than those with a high school diploma. For every dollar the state invests in higher education, Kentucky realizes a return of $4.50 in tax revenue and $17 in consumer spending.
Most students reach that payoff without borrowing. About 6 in 10 graduates of Kentucky's public colleges and universities earn their credential with no student loan debt.
Growth across sectors and award levels
KCTCS increased credential production by 8% over last year, to 48,109 awards. Public universities awarded 34,035 credentials, up 7%. AIKCU institutions awarded 16,203 credentials, down 6% from last year but up 23% over five years.
|
Award level |
2025-26 total |
1-year change |
5-year change |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Undergraduate certificates & diplomas |
39,232 |
+9% |
+31% |
|
Associate degrees |
12,340 |
+8% |
+11% |
|
Bachelor's degrees |
24,661 |
+5% |
+5% |
|
Master's & specialist degrees |
16,560 |
-7% |
+25% |
|
Doctoral degrees |
3,257 |
+7% |
+34% |
|
Postgraduate certificates |
2,297 |
+13% |
+130% |
|
All awards |
98,347 |
+5% |
+21% |
Other highlights from the report:
- Short-term credentials now make up about 40% of all awards statewide, and more than 90% are awarded by KCTCS. These graduates are the most likely to stay in Kentucky to work.
- Associate degrees reached their highest level in five years, with gains in all three sectors.
- Postgraduate certificates were the fastest-growing award category, more than doubling over five years.
- Master's and specialist degrees declined 7%, driven mainly by several AIKCU institutions scaling back graduate programs to focus on undergraduate education. Public universities posted a fifth straight year of growth, up 4%.
Adult learners and completion rates
Credentials awarded to adults 25 and older rose 7% to 26,282, the second straight year of growth and the highest level since 2020-21. Reaching adults who have some college but no credential is essential to the state's attainment goal, because there are not enough traditional-age students in the pipeline.
Completion rates also continue to improve. The KCTCS three-year graduation rate reached 51% in 2024-25, up nearly 15 points over five years. The six-year graduation rate at public universities held at 61%, up nearly 5 points over five years.
Toward 60x30
Kentucky's goal is for 60% of working-age adults to hold a postsecondary credential by 2030. Statewide attainment currently stands at more than 55%. Closing that gap pays off well beyond individual paychecks: higher attainment is linked to higher employment, lower poverty rates, less reliance on public assistance and healthier communities.
Awards to low-income students and 2025-26 graduation rates will be added to the report in December 2026, after financial aid and federal data are reported.
Credential data by academic programs at Kentucky two- and four-year institutions by year, classification, and more is available on CPE's data dashboard.
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